Commuters, Here's How You Can Stay "Snatch-Proof" on the Train

(SPOT.ph) Oftentimes, the feeling of commuting in a packed train is likened to being stuck inside a "can of sardines." What they don't tell you, though, is that some of your fellow sardines are in there with the sole purpose of stealing your hard-earned possessions.

If that bit reads like there's a bit of hugot to it, you're not wrong. Many of you may have lost track of how many times you've exited a train with your backpack's zipper opened. Almost everyone you know has had an experience or two of getting robbed. After these series of unfortunate incidents, you just know you have to do something: It's time to pickpocket-proof your commute.

Your defense begins before you enter the station.

Thieves don't pick their targets at random: They can spot you and your gadget even before you enter the train. Try to refrain from bringing out your valuables and using electronics as soon as you get within a station's vicinity. Even a dangling cable is enough for them to set their sights on you.

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Know how thieves operate.

Most of the time, these punks work in groups during rush hour when trains are at full capacity. The most common modus to watch for is when they muscle you into a corner under the guise of passengers entering and exiting the train. Before you know it, you're surrounded and they've taken your belongings.

IMAGE Drei Laurel

Use common sense.

Sometimes, it doesn't take much to ward off thieves, and a little common sense goes a long, long way. Do not place your wallet or phone in your back pocket, and never bring out your gadget inside a train packed to the brim. Ensure they're securely tucked inside your front pockets if ever you decide to leave them there.

IMAGE Drei Laurel

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Your bag is there for a reason.

Don't forget to store all your valuables inside your backpack before embarking on your commute. You can put them inside your bag's front pocket, though they're more secure inside the main compartment—most likely they won't risk rummaging through there.

IMAGE Drei Laurel

Speaking of bags, pick a good one.

We're not just talking brands here—just choosing the right design can turn off pickpockets. You can use a top-loader backpack, or one that only opens from the top. This means anyone who wants to get to whatever goodies you've placed inside will have to do so using an entire arm's length. Also take into account your height and it's nearly impossible to take anything from inside the main compartment without you noticing.

If you want extra security, you can pick products made from tougher material for extreme cases when they try to cut through. One particular backpack is made from 840 denier polly-ballistic fabric. Denier refers to fiber thickness, and usually the higher the denier, the tougher the material. You can also choose a plain black color to draw less attention to yourself.

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IMAGE Drei Laurel

IMAGE Drei Laurel

Of course, make sure your bag is secure.

When situations get really tight, wear your backpack up front to keep it in your field of view. Still, you can come up with a way to keep your bag's compartments secure even when you're wearing it properly: S hooks. Yep. Simply 'hook' them up to the zippers, and attach them at points which 'lock' said zippers down. Get creative.

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Know when to wait, and choose when to enter.

Most of the time, train thieves strike as a sea of passengers is entering or exiting. All the movement serves as a distraction and gives them an opportunity or excuse to get physical and make their move. Remember: The bigger the crowd, the bolder they get. If the tidal wave of commuters gets too rough, sometimes it's best to step aside and wait.

If you can, don't take the train alone.

Thieves are less likely to strike if there's a chance one of your colleagues will spot them. It's also more difficult to single out a target from an entire group. Of course, if it's just the two of you, don't get carried away in conversation and stay alert.

If you do fall victim to train thieves, report the incident.

These punks aren't 'one and dones.' In fact, some even make a living out of preying on unsuspecting passengers. Approach authorities and report the incident, however pointless it may seem. Details you provide can help stations improve security, or even prevent the same culprit from doing the same to someone else. You might not get your phone back, but you're not just a statistic either.

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This story originally appeared on Topgear.com.ph. Minor edits have been made by the SPOT.ph editors.